atropine (injection)

What is the most important information I should know about atropine?

Before you receive atropine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, and all the medicines you are using. Also make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

What is atropine?

Atropine produces many effects in the body such as reducing muscle spasms and fluid secretions.

Atropine is used to help reduce saliva, mucus, or other secretions in your airway during a surgery. Atropine is also used to treat spasms in the stomach, intestines, bladder, or other organs.

Atropine is sometimes used as an antidote to treat certain types of poisoning.

Atropine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving atropine?

To make sure atropine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

asthma or other breathing disorder;

glaucoma;

enlarged prostate;

urination problems,

a heart rhythm disorder;

liver or kidney disease;

myasthenia gravis; or

blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, some forms of this medicine contain a preservative that may be harmful to a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether atropine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers about your health conditions. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows you have received this medicine.

How is atropine given?

Atropine is injected into a muscle, under the skin, or into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive atropine in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

Overdose symptoms may include confusion, fever, or fast heartbeats.

What should I avoid while taking atropine?

This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Atropine can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

What are the possible side effects of atropine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

restlessness;

speech problems, trouble swallowing;

confusion, hallucinations;

weakness, loss of balance;

hot, dry skin; or

a severe skin rash.

Common side effects may include:

dry mouth, nose, or throat;

dry eyes, blurred vision;

dizziness; or

headache, drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect atropine?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take. Atropine can slow your digestion, and it may take longer for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth.

Other drugs may interact with atropine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about atropine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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